Debbie Evans
Debbie Evans | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 5, 1958 |
| Other names | Debbie J. Evans, Debbi Evans, Debra Evans, Debbie Evans-Leavitt, Debbie Evans Leavitt[1] |
| Website | debbieevans.com |
Debbie Evans (born February 5, 1958) is an American former motorcycle observed trials competitor and current stunt actor.[2] In the 1970s, Evans was considered the best female observed trials rider in the United States, earning factory-backed sponsorship from Yamaha.[2]
Evan was born and raised in Lakewood, California and learned to ride a motorcycle at the age of six.[2] Her father competed in motorcycle observed trials and she grew up attending motorcycle competitions. She began competing in trials and enduro events, usually as the only female in the competition.[3] At the age of 19, she accepted an invitation to race in the grueling Scottish Six Days Trial.[2] Although some observers thought that the trial might be too difficult for Evans, she proved her skill by not only finishing the event, but finishing in a respectable fourth place in the 175cc division.[2]
Evans also began performing exhibition shows, eventually displaying her riding skills in front of tens of thousands of fans at AMA Grand National Championship and AMA Supercross events.[2] She became known for a trick in which she would balance her motorcycle with the kickstand up and perform a headstand on the seat.[2] Evans' exceptional riding ability eventually led her to work in the film industry as a stunt rider. She became so successful as a stunt performer that it became her full time job.[1] Evans has appeared in over 200 movies and television shows, including motorcycle stunt work in The Matrix Reloaded.[4]
At the age of forty, Evans returned to the sport of observed trials in 1998 to compete in the Women’s Trials World Championship. Despite having spent 18 years away from the sport, she finished the season in a respectable eighth place.
Evans was inducted to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2003.[2]
References
- ^ a b Debbie Evans at IMDb
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Debbie Evans at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame". motorcyclemuseum.org. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
- ^ Tough One, American Motorcyclist, January 1975, Vol. 29, No. 1, ISSN 0277-9358. Books.google.com. Retrieved 2013-05-08.
- ^ Timandara Harkness (19 June 2004), Matrix tricks, The Telegraph
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